Diwali kicks off in Vancouver, more events to come

Diwali, the festival of light, is the second largest holiday for many people in Metro Vancouver and a chance for Hindu and Sikh families to gather over good food and exchange gifts.

The holiday celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. In India, Diwali is often celebrated by lighting small oil lamps called diyas and setting off fireworks.

"It is very much oriented around the home because it's about illumination," said cultural advocate Mo Dhaliwal.

"More than anything it's a recognition of the sort of hope we all have but there's a real focus on prosperity, success, illumination ... positivity."

On Saturday, Diwali kicked off in Vancouver with a "Diwali Downtown" event at the the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Yaletown that included music, dance performances, a room-sized rangoli, delicious cuisine and a fashion show.

On Sunday, Punjabi singer Harjit Harman will perform at Central City Plaza in Surrey starting at 1 p.m. PT. 

And Diwali Fest will continue with events until the third week in November. Nov. 5 will be the marquee Diwali Downtown Surrey event.

Many people, like Fruiticana store-owner Tony Singh, have been preparing for the holiday for weeks.

"We bring in Diwali products for Diwali ...  12 to 14 containers extra just for that one weekend," he said.

Dhaliwal says for those who can't get out to events, a drive through certain neighbourhoods should help light up the festival for them.

"The way to see it would be to drive through any South Asian or Punjabi neighbourhood. You might see Christmas lights turned on, wondering why they're on," he said. "But Christmas lights take on additional significance in this region, because of Diwali lights you'll see many houses lit up."

On Friday, Premier Christy Clark encouraged all residents to participate in Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh festival that coincides with Diwali.

"As British Columbians of all backgrounds participate in festive celebrations, we have an occasion to recognize and take pride in our province's rich cultural diversity," she said in a release.

with files from Megan Batchelor